The Kwara Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, KWACCIMA, says the 10th Kwara Trade Fair is strategically planned to provide succour for exhibitors, vendors and prospective buyers and cushion the effects of the present economic hardship by offering affordable prices for goods and services.
The chamber also noted that the trade fair, organized by KWACCIMA in collaboration with the kwara state government aims to transform commerce in the state of harmony.
The Chairman, 10th Kwara Trade Fair organizing committee, Engr Abu Salami stated this on Wednesday, Nov. 08, 2023, at a press conference held at the KWACCIMA secretariat in Ilorin, Kwara State capital.
The press conference was attended by executive members of KWACCIMA, led by the President, Chief Mrs Ronke Adeyemi, and government officials.
Addressing newsmen, Abu announced that this year’s trade fair will kick-off on Dec. 08 and hold till Dec. 17 at the Kwara Stadium Complex, Ilorin from 8:00am to 6:00pm daily.
Declaring the theme of the 10th Kwara Trade Fair as, “A Renewed Hope in Transforming Commerce,” the committee chairman said the theme captures KWACCIMA’s assurance to exhibitors, intending visitors and the kwara business community of the bright hope to drive economic growth in the state.
“The theme sets a new tone for showcasing cutting-edge products, services, abundant agricultural, solid minerals resources as well as rich culture across our Local Government Areas that can transform various sectors of economy, towards contributing to the overall development of Kwara State,” he said.
Abu noted that Kwara State has abundant available resources that are investment opportunities many of which are yet to be tapped.
He said the trade fair hopes to showcase these to local and foreign investors, with the hope to accelerate development of commerce and industry in the state.
He further noted that the chamber is aware of the expectations from exhibitors, vendors and prospective buyers and will not let down the guard by adding additional features this year.
“In our bid to add glamour to the 10th Kwara Trade Fair, we have designed the fair to feature, in addition to normal exhibition of physical products and services, other activities such as musical concerts, talent hunts and children fun fair arena to increase human trafficking to the fair.
“On the part of WHO to exhibit, we are expecting business organizations in Nigeria, Federal and State own Corporations, Local Governments, Agencies and Parastatals, Large Scale Industries from within and outside Kwara State,” he said.
In her address, the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, restated the determination of the Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration to make Kwara a business hub.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Director, Commerce, Elder Taiwo Adebisi, highlighted the policies of the government towards making Kwara a business friendly destination, adding that more are to be implemented soon to attract investors and enhance economic prosperity of the state.
Adelodun commended KWACCIMA for the annual partnership, assuring exhibitors, vendors and prospective buyers of adequate security and a conducive atmosphere to thrive.
Also speaking, President of KWACCIMA, Mrs Ronke Adeyemi, assured of affordable prices for products and services for all.
She noted that the body put the prevailing economic reality into consideration and made space affordable so that exhibitors and vendors can also transact at affordable rates.
While corroborating the significance of the products from across the states, she charged the ALGON Chairman to help ensure that exhibitors and vendors are able to transport their products in large quantity to the trade fair ground, to avoid shortage as experienced sometimes in the past.
The ALGON Chairman, Mr Jide Shonibare, in his goodwill message said the Trade Fair offers another opportunity to showcase the economic potentials in Kwara.
He assured of the support of ALGON to enable active participation and smooth transportation of goods from all local government areas in the state.
Products to be exhibited at the Fair, include ranges of servicing and consumable items in agricultural, mining, construction, industries, Oil and Gas, Telecommunication, renewable energy, clothing, cosmetics and other fashion products as well as different lines of consultancy services in all aspects of human endeavours.